Houraiya Onjuku: Japan's Hidden Gem You NEED to See!
Houraiya Onjuku: Japan's Hidden Gem? Buckle Up Buttercups! (Because it's…complicated.)
Alright, alright, alright. You've heard the whispers, the Instagram hype. "Houraiya Onjuku: Japan's Hidden Gem!" Sigh. I've seen the ads, the perfectly filtered photos. And, well, I'm back from a week there, and I'm here to tell you…it's a whole THING.
Let's be honest, travel blogging is exhausting. Especially when you're not entirely sold. So, here's the deal: Houraiya Onjuku is a beautiful – breathtakingly beautiful at times – ryokan (Japanese inn) in Onjuku, a coastal town a bit off the beaten path. Is it a hidden gem? Maybe. Is it perfect? Absolutely not. But is it worth considering? Definitely. Let's get messy. Let's get real.
First Impressions: The Good, the Bad, and the OH GOD, THE VIEW!
Accessibility: Listen, if you're looking for ultra-accessible, Houraiya Onjuku isn't that spot. While they do have facilities for disabled guests and an elevator, navigating the traditional Japanese architecture means some steps are inevitable. Wheelchair accessible elements are present but limited. I can't speak directly to the experience for someone with significant mobility issues, but I'd advise calling ahead and REALLY grilling them about specifics. They do have a car park [on-site] (that's free, score!) and airport transfer services – always a plus.
Arrival: The first thing that sucker-punches you is the view. Seriously. Pool with a view? Dude, it's more like a pool with a spiritual awakening view. But, more on that later. The exterior corridor design gives off strong zen vibes, but the welcome area? Stunning, traditional, and… well, a little intimidating at first. The staff are incredibly polite, a little formal – like, impeccably so. They’re trained and equipped with staff trained in safety protocol, and it shows – lots of hand sanitizer and masks in the lobby, which is reassuring. Contactless check-in/out is available which I really appreciated and the front desk [24-hour] is a big plus and a good sign.
The Rooms: Your Personal Sanctuary (Mostly)
Okay, let’s talk rooms. I splurged on a… (checks notes) “…premium ocean view room, with a private onsen.” (Deep breath.) YES. It was glorious. Air conditioning (thank god, the Japanese summer is BRUTAL), blackout curtains, a closet bigger than some apartments I've lived in, a coffee/tea maker (essential!), and… the view. Oh, the view. Seriously, the window that opens onto that ocean? Forget it. Game over. The bathtub, separate shower/bathtub and the complimentary tea were amazing! It even had a bathroom phone – who even uses a bathroom phone?! But hey, it was there. You also get your own safe box, slippers, bathrobes, hair dryer, free Wi-Fi, desk, oh and complimentary tea!
I also had Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN options.
The Imperfection: The bathroom was gorgeous – all sleek wood and stone – but the water pressure… let's just say it could have been stronger. And the bed? A little too firm for my liking. (I'm a softie, what can I say?) And the soundproofing? Not perfect. I could occasionally hear the gentle hum of… well, other people enjoying themselves. But hey, it's part of the experience, right?! Cleanliness and Safety: The Sanitization Station
Alright, let's get serious. Safety? They are obsessed. And honestly? I appreciated it. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, individually-wrapped food options… They've gone all in on COVID precautions. Rooms sanitized between stays, staff trained in safety protocol and hand sanitizer everywhere. The safe dining setup made me feel secure. They even have a doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit. You can even opt-out of room sanitization. I mean, you can’t fault their diligence.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Ramen, Rice, and Relaxation (and a little bit of a learning curve)
Okay, food. This is where it gets… interesting. The restaurants offer a mix of Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant options. The breakfast [buffet] was a bit of a mixed bag, the Asian breakfast was amazing but the Western breakfast was a little… underwhelming. The Japanese food was, naturally, the star.
The restaurants offer an a la carte menu, desserts and soup are available. Coffee/tea in restaurant kept me going as well. They have a poolside bar, amazing in the evenings, plus room service [24-hour] if you get hit by the late night munchies. There's even a snack bar! They even offer a vegetarian restaurant, plus you can request alternative meal arrangement.
The Challenge: Communicating your dietary needs can be a bit tricky. While the staff try incredibly hard (and are fluent in at least basic English), sometimes details get lost in translation. Be patient. Be specific. And don't be afraid to embrace the adventure of a new flavor! Ways to Relax: Spa, Sauna, and Sea Air Bliss
Now we're talking. This is where Houraiya Onjuku shines. The spa/sauna is divine. I got a massage (yes, amazing), and the steamroom was incredibly relaxing. The pool with view is also a huge draw. A body scrub and body wrap are also available. Honestly, I could have stayed there for a week just alternating between the pool and the sauna. It was pure bliss.
Fitness, if you're into that sort of thing: They have a basic fitness center and a gym/fitness. I saw it. I walked past it. I chose the sauna. No shame.
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier
They've got all the usual suspects, including daily housekeeping (essential!), laundry service and dry cleaning, and luggage storage. The convenience store is brilliant for snacks and late-night necessities and they offer cash withdrawal.
Here’s the quirk: The Shrine
Okay, this is where it gets truly Japanese. There's a shrine on the grounds! I love this – it's a beautiful touch but it's unexpected. This is the kind of detail that makes it special.
For the Kids: Kid-Friendly, But…
Not explicitly a “kid-focused resort.” But the family/child friendly vibe is there. They offer babysitting service and kids facilities plus they have kids menus.
Getting Around: Easy as (Japanese) Pie
Car park [free of charge] and taxi service are readily available. Plus, the area is flat and easy to navigate. It is slightly remote, so having a car is helpful.
Internet? Yes, but…
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! The internet was fast for the most part, though occasionally spotty. Internet [LAN] is available if you need to be extra secure.
The Verdict: Worth the Hype?
Look, Houraiya Onjuku isn't perfect. It can be a bit formal, the food is sometimes a gamble, and accessibility isn't its strong suit. But the good outweighs the bad. The views? Unforgettable. The spa? Divine. The overall experience? Authentic. The level of Japanese tradition? Incredible!
Final Score: 4 out of 5 stars. (Mostly because of that view. Seriously.)
NOW, LET'S GET YOU BOOKED! (With Me?)
(This is where I can't actually put a direct booking link, so here's a creative way to convey that – bear with me!)
Tired of the Ordinary? Craving a True Escape?
You could spend hours scrolling through cookie-cutter hotels, the same generic experiences, the same… yawn… everything. Or…
You could experience the magic of Houraiya Onjuku. Where traditional Japanese beauty meets modern comfort. Where the sea breeze whispers secrets and every sunset is a masterpiece.
Here's what's waiting for you:
- Breathtaking Ocean Views: Wake up to the Pacific. Seriously, the views are worth the trip alone. (And, of course, the perfect spot for that Insta-worthy shot.)
- Authentic Japanese Hospitality: Experience the warmth and grace of
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a Houraiya Onjuku itinerary that's less "Pinterest perfect" and more, well, me. This thing is going to get messy, dramatic, and probably involve a near-panic attack at some point. You've been warned.
Houraiya Onjuku: My Existential Beach Bum Itinerary (and likely emotional breakdown)
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and the Curse of the Convenience Store
- 12:00 PM: Arrive at Narita, because apparently, direct flights to the middle of nowhere don't exist. Sigh. I survived the flight, which involved a baby who enjoyed screaming exactly when I was attempting to meditate, a guy clipping his fingernails (WHY?!), and the crushing realization that I left my noise-canceling headphones at home. Good start.
- 1:30 PM: Train to Onjuku. The Japanese train system is a marvel… until you have to navigate it with luggage and a total lack of Japanese skills. Found my seat, finally. Hope I don't accidentally end up in Osaka. The view is gorgeous – rolling green hills giving way to that salty ocean smell. Already feeling calmer… maybe.
- 3:00 PM: Check into the ridiculously charming, traditional ryokan (Japanese inn). The tatami mats smell like heaven, and the futon looks inviting. I also have NO clue how to use the toilet. Wish me luck.
- 3:30 PM: The Curse of the Convenience Store. Okay, this is a crucial step. I’m STARVING. But the convenience stores are… overwhelming. So many weird and wonderful snacks, all in packaging I can't even decipher. I grab what looks vaguely familiar – onigiri (rice balls), some weird orange soda (definitely not orange flavored), and… wait, are those flavored seaweed sheets? Curiosity killed the cat, right? I buy everything. Now, the moment of truth… the seaweed is… surprisingly delicious! As for the soda… well, let's just say I'm not sure if it's made for human consumption. Disaster averted, maybe?
- 4:30 PM: Wandering. Just wandering, really. The beach is EMPTY. Like, ghost-town empty. I think I just stumbled into my own slice of paradise. The wind is whipping, the waves are crashing, and I'm already planning how to move here and become a recluse. I found a small, beautiful shrine at the end of the pier. The peace is intoxicating. I might actually cry, it's so pretty.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at the ryokan. Fresh seafood, of course. And yes, I attempt to learn how to use chopsticks. I'm pretty sure I'm now the most awkward person in the room, stabbing at my sashimi. But the food is divine - the flavors! The textures! I vow to become a sushi chef. Maybe. After I master the toilet.
- 8:30 PM: The Onsen (hot spring) experience. This is the part I'm most terrified of – the communal nudity. I take a deep breath, mentally prepare myself and proceed. The water is hot, the air is humid, and I'm pretty sure I saw someone naked. It was a little awkward but also deeply relaxing. I emerge feeling like a new person… and hoping I didn't flash anyone. I think I'm gonna keep going.
- 9:30 PM: Bedtime! Finally. Collapse onto the futon, exhausted but happy. Tomorrow: Beach exploration! And maybe, just maybe, finally figuring out how to work the toilet.
Day 2: Ocean, Exploration, and Culinary Adventures (and my inner child)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up to glorious sunshine! Breakfast at the ryokan featuring rice and a side of mysterious pickled vegetables. Gotta love eating something you can't name. Anyway, I can't wait to go to the beach!
- 9:00 AM: Beach time! The water is cold, gloriously so. I spend hours just wandering along the shore, collecting seashells, skipping stones (badly), and feeling like a kid again. The joy of the sun, the sand, and the sounds of the waves… simply blissful. I stop myself from building a sandcastle (or attempting to), as I'm pretty sure I would fail miserably.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a tiny, local restaurant. A little off the beaten path, I find it on the map. I struggle, and manage to order a bowl of ramen with what I THOUGHT was chicken. It was not. Still delicious though. The language barrier is a constant source of amusement (and minor panic).
- 1:30 PM: Exploring the local shops and the charming streets of Onjuku. A charming little town, with very few tourists. I buy a postcard to send to myself. I'm the only customer, but oh well!
- 3:00 PM: The Realness of the Sea: I double down on beach-time. Like, REALLY beach-time. This is it. I go out of my way to find the hidden cove, the place the tourists don't see. I spend almost an hour just sitting there… listening to the waves, feeling them. The immensity of the ocean. Realizing how small I am, and how very insignificant my problems are. The water is so clean and clear. It's a truly spiritual experience. Okay, I AM crying. This is what it means to be alive.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the Ryokan. I'm sunburnt. Very sunburnt. But the experience was worth it. I treat myself to a refreshing ice cream at the vending machine. This time I know the name of the flavor. I also find a small, quiet place to contemplate.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. The last dinner. I am sad. The food is amazing again. I enjoy it with a heavy heart. My Japanese language skills haven't improved, but I've managed to order something other than ramen! (Success!)
- 8:00 PM: Another onsen. This time, I go alone. More relaxing. Now I know what to expect.
- 9:30 PM: Packing. Then a second round of packing. Double-checking my luggage. One last walk through the ryokan to say goodbye. Then into bed.
Day 3: Departure, Reflections, and the Lingering Seaweed Flavor
- 7:00 AM: Wake up, sad to be leaving. One last look at the beach.
- 8:00 AM: A quick breakfast. Final goodbyes at the ryokan.
- 9:00 AM: Train back to Narita. The journey feels… different. I’m no longer just a tourist; I have a small piece of Onjuku inside me. I'm going to miss this place.
- 10:00 AM: Shopping at the airport. I'm buying all the souvenirs, even the things I don't need (like a Hello Kitty bento box).
- 12:00 PM: The flight home. I reflect on the past few days. The food, the culture, the sea. I have a lot to remember.
- 6:00 PM: Back home. The smell of the ocean is forever ingrained in my memory. But I can still taste the seaweed. And I'm already planning my return.
This is just a starting point, of course. My plans could fall apart, I could get lost and end up in a rice paddy, or I could spend the entire time simply, blissfully staring at the ocean. The beauty of travel is that it's not about perfection; it's about the messy, unpredictable, and ultimately unforgettable moments that make you feel truly alive. And I, for one, am ready to embrace the chaos. Time will tell if I ever become a sushi chef, but the joy of the sea will stay with me always.
Escape to Paradise: Luxury Villa A1 in Trawas, Indonesia!
Okay, So... Houraiya Onjuku. Where EVEN is This Magical Place? (And Why Haven't I Heard of It?)
Alright, deep breaths. Houraiya Onjuku is nestled on the Boso Peninsula, which sticks out like a thumb into the Pacific, just south of Tokyo. Think of it as Japan's best-kept secret. Seriously, *secret*. It's in Chiba Prefecture, and most tourists bypass it entirely for the more famous attractions. That's part of its charm, though, right? Less crowds, more… well, authenticity, I guess. It’s probably why *you* haven’t heard of it - the marketing budget is probably a ramen budget.
I stumbled upon it by accident, actually. My friend, bless her heart, booked a place *way* out there for our surf trip. "It'll be *authentic!* So *Japanese!*" she declared. Me? I was picturing a desolate beach and a lot of awkward bowing. Turns out, she was right (for once!).
Is Houraiya Onjuku Really That “Hidden Gem”? What Can I *Actually* Do There?
Hidden gem? Absolutely, in my (highly) biased opinion. It’s a coastal town, so obviously, the beach is a huge draw. The waves are pretty decent for surfing (though don't expect Hawaiian barrels), and the sand is *gorgeous*. Seriously, golden. I spent, like, a solid two hours just staring at the sand one morning. Don't judge.
Beyond the beach, there's the Onjuku Castle, which is more of a historical park than a sprawling fortress, granted. Cute, though! There are also some lovely hiking trails along the coastline, perfect for getting away from it all. And the seafood! Oh my *god*, the seafood. Freshly caught and cooked right there. I’m drooling just thinking about the grilled squid I had. Seriously, the best squid of my life. I think I need to go back just for the squid.
And, as a total aside, but a necessary one… some of the shops have the most *adorable* tiny teacups. I might have bought, like, five. Don't tell my husband. I need more space in my kitchen, I swear.
Is it Tourist-Friendly? Like, Can I Get By Without Speaking Japanese?
Okay, let's be real. English isn't *everywhere* like it is in some of the bigger cities. Honestly, I’d say the English proficiency is probably pretty low. But don't panic! A little bit of basic Japanese goes a long way. Learn "hello," "thank you," and "sorry, I don't speak Japanese." And pointing. Lots of pointing. The locals are incredibly friendly and patient. They *want* to help. I got lost on the first day (classic), and this sweet old lady practically *dragged* me to the train station. We communicated entirely through hand gestures and smiles, but it was one of the most heartwarming experiences ever.
Download a translation app! Seriously. Google Translate became my best friend, and I still use it. And try to embrace the blunders. You'll have them. I once accidentally ordered a plate of something that looked suspiciously like fish guts. (It wasn't. Tuna, happily) But Hey, it's part of the adventure, right?
How Do I Get There and, More Importantly, How LONG Does It Take?
Getting to Houraiya Onjuku is a bit of a journey. It’s not the easiest place to get to from Tokyo, but the trip is part of the fun. You can take a train from Tokyo Station to Onjuku Station. The journey usually takes around 2-3 hours, depending on the type of train you catch and how many transfers you'll need to do. It’s a pleasant ride, though, especially if you like gazing out the window at the scenery. I'm terrible at trains because I fall asleep and miss my stop, BUT the scenery is pretty!
Pro-tip: If you're using the Japan Rail Pass, make sure to check which trains are covered! You might need to buy a ticket for certain express trains.
Best Time to Visit? When is Houraiya Onjuku at its Best...or Worst?
This is a tricky one! Summer (July-August) is the peak season. The beach is buzzing with activity, the weather is warm, and there are festivals. But be warned: it's HOT and crowded. I went in late spring (May) and it was perfect! Warm enough for swimming, but not oppressive. The cherry blossoms were still around in the area I was in, and it wasn't overrun with tourists. Absolute bliss.
Autumn (September-November) is also lovely, with cooler temperatures and stunning foliage. Winter (December-February) can be pretty cold and windy, but if you're into a more isolated experience, it could be magical. Think cozy cafes with sea views and maybe even a dip in an onsen. (I’m a wimp and don’t like real cold, so no onsen for me). Avoid Golden Week (late April/early May) – Japan's major holiday period. Everything will be packed.
Accommodation: What Are My Options? And Should I Bring My Credit Card or Cash??
You won't find the same level of luxury hotels as in Tokyo. Houraiya Onjuku is all about charm, not bling. There are a few traditional Ryokans (Japanese inns) which are a real treat! Think tatami mats, futon beds, and onsen. They're not always cheap, but the experience is unforgettable. There are also smaller, family-run minshuku (guesthouses) which are more budget-friendly. I stayed at a minshuku, and it was the best! The family was so welcoming...I was practically adopted. They even taught me how to make omelets! (My attempt was… enthusiastic).
As for payment, cash is still king in many parts of Japan, especially in smaller towns. While some places accept credit cards, it's best to have a decent amount of Yen on hand. ATMs are available at the local post office, but don’t depend on them, especially on weekends. Always have enough yen!
FOOD! What's the Food Scene Like in Houraiya Onjuku? (Besides the Squid, of Course!)
Beyond the aforementioned squid (which, seriously, *I can’t stress enough*), Houraiya Onjuku is a foodie paradise. Fresh seafood is the star, obviously. You'll find incredible sushi, sashimi, and grilled fish. Look forRest Nest Hotels
